Hugh Dancy Joins NBC’s ‘Hannibal’

The British actor will portray FBI Agent Will Graham, but who will play Hannibal himself?

NBC's upcoming "Hannibal" TV series has cast its first actor, but not for the title role.

According to TVLine, Hugh Dancy has been cast in one of the leading roles in "Hannibal," an updated TV adaptation of Thomas Harris' "Red Dragon;" which debuted the iconic serial killer, Hannibal Lecter.

Darcy will portray FBI Agent Will Graham, who was previously played by William Petersen in "Manhunter" and Ed Norton in "Red Dragon." The "Hannibal" TV series appears to be taking its cue from the Norton film rather than the "Red Dragon" novel, as the show will explore the relationship between Graham and Lecter before the truth about Lecter's nature was revealed. In this incarnation, Graham even considers Lecter to be his friend and mentor as he offers his insights into his cases.

Darcy is no stranger to TV, having recently appeared in the first season of "The Big C" on Showtime and television productions of "David Copperfield," "Daniel Deronda" and "Elizabeth I." Darcy has also previously been cast in several films, including "Black Hawk Down," "King Arthur," "Blood & Chocolate," "Our Idiot Brother," "Basic Instinct 2" and "Ella Enchanted."

The new "Hannibal" TV series is being written and executive produced by "Pushing Daisies" creator, Bryan Fuller; who is also producing "The Munsters" pilot on NBC. That potential show was recently renamed "Mockingbird Lane," to distance itself from the comedic roots of the original series.

Photo Credit: Caryn James & Taylor Levy

With Will Graham cast in "Hannibal," it seems likely that the title role will soon be filled as well. Who do you think should be the new Hannibal Lecter? Share your picks in the comment section below!